Premier League top four: Will Arsenal & Tottenham overhaul the European champions?

Now the question of who will be champions has been answered and with QPR and Reading's relegation, the race for Champions League qualification is the big talking point remaining in the Premier League.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are all in the mix and with Chelsea and Tottenham still to play each other, it makes for a fascinating finish to the season.

Everton have dropped off the pace so there are just three teams fighting for two places but who is likely to miss out? We examine their remaining fixtures to see who will earn the coveted top four spots.

Arsenal

The 2012/13 season has been one of frustration for Arsenal fans, beginning with the loss of their talismanic captain Robin van Persie, followed by embarrassing cup exits to Bradford and Blackburn.

All of this leading to some supporters questioning Arsene Wenger's future and the ambition of both the board and Stan Kroenke. Supporters however will be encouraged by results since the turn of the year - in their last six league matches they have won four and drawn two putting them top of the form table above Chlesea.

The Gunners have only three games left to play, against the now relegated QPR at Loftus Road, then Wigan at home (who have an FA Cup Final to think about) and then Newcastle away.

Arsenal will expect to get all of the nine remaining points - anything less than that and they'll likely miss out. They also have the added experience of being in this position before and will take confidence knowing they have never failed to qualify under Arsene Wenger. Gooners should prepare themselves for some anxious moments as we know their team tends to make things difficult for themselves but they should come through safely.

Predicted finish: 4th

Chelsea

Chelsea fans may be wondering how they ended up in this position, winning the Champions League one year and starting the next with style with some considering them genuine contenders for the Premier League.

A few bad results and they see the only manager in their history to win the Champions League sacked and replaced by former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

Now there in a dog fight with Arsenal and Tottenham for third and fourth spots. Chelsea fans will feel the most aggrieved if they're the ones to miss out.

Out of the three London clubs none have a tougher run in than Chelsea. They still have the Europe League semi-final against FC Basel to think about and some of their focus will certainly to turn to the final if they do manage to progress.

Chelsea have played more games than the other two sides this season and with more games left to play, fatigue could very well be an important factor.

In the League they have the newly crowned champions to face, who will be seeking revenge after their FA Cup semi-final defeat.

They then a massive game against rivals Tottenham, both teams knowing a bad result here and it could see them playing Europa League football next year. Finally they have two more difficult fixtures against relegation scrappers Aston Villa and a tough Everton side. Benitez will need to carefully manage his squad and will need all the experience of Chelsea legends Frank Lampard and John Terry to get them over the line. It looks like it may be a step too far for the European champions however, and they look set to finish outside the top four for the second season in a row.

Predicted finish: 5th

Tottenham

The Tottenham players will still be feeling the pain of last year when reaching fourth wasn't enough. But that's no excuse; they should have finished third after establishing an early lead above Arsenal.

The annual Spurs collapse and a rejuvenated Arsenal side led by the brilliant Robin van Persie saw them drop behind and were left disappointed after Chelsea's heroics In the Champions League Final.

They'll be glad Van Persie is no longer a direct rival and will have the best player in the league Gareth Bale on their side, as Villas-Boas looks to better Harry Redknapp and get one over on his old team.

Tottenham currently sit fifth, two points behind Arsenal with a game in hand which is the mouth watering game against Chelsea. The added boost of Jermain Defoe, Aaron Lennon and Bale returning to full fitness may give them the advantage in that match, but it is a must win.

We saw against Wigan that Tottenham are feeling the heat, perhaps last seasons woes looming over their shoulders. Games against Southampton, Stoke and Sunderland will be difficult, with each having the ability to frustrate bigger clubs.

The North London Club should view every remaining game as a cup final, as Arsenal and Chelsea will likely do the same. Finishing above the Gunners will be a fantastic achievement for a side that has been second best in North London for a long time.

Andre Villas Boas will know topping Arsenal will ease any pressure some fans are pushing on him and he'll be examining every detail to make sure that happens.

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DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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